braids

[Mandy4610]

Do they benefit hair or destroy it?

 

[Hair2Dye4]

Personally, I don't like them. I had some cornrows put in about 5 years ago that I'm still recovering from. I was so excited that she SEEMED to braid so gently but the truth came out when I got home I was like!!!! I took them out a couple of weeks later and OMG, my edges looked like a rats a#%! All plucked out front and back. Secondly, not being able to (really) wash my hair doesn't sit well with me. Like everyone always says "Everything isn't for everybody" and briads just have always been detrimental to my hair.

 

[balisi]

It depends on what type of braids, how they're done, how long they're kept in, how they're maintained, and how often they're done. IMHO back-to-back braids are never a good idea. I would also like to see ladies NOT get braids installed within two-three weeks of a relaxer.

 

[Demi27]

I've never had a problem with them.
I've worn braids almost all my life and the only time there was an issue was when someone other than my mom or myself did my hair (that was only 2 times in life).

My mom and I have always put the braids in gently and it's helped my hair to thrive.

It's been so long since I've had my own hair out though, that now I have to learn how to do my real hair again.

 

[Nonie]

I've never had a problem with them.
I've worn braids almost all my life and the only time there was an issue was when someone other than my mom or myself did my hair (that was only 2 times in life).

My mom and I have always put the braids in gently and it's helped my hair to thrive.

It's been so long since I've had my own hair out though, that now I have to learn how to do my real hair again.

Ditto here. Braids are the only way I know to maintain healthy hair. Since I do my own braids, I wear them back-to-back and haven't had any issues yet. I'm also yet to learn how to deal with my hair out of braids or twists. I did get some practice with SCurl after my BC, but even then, I still cheated with some cornrows.

 

[DivaRox]

So far I haven't had an issue with wearing them. I'm constantly pooing and conditioning it or spritzing/sealing to make sure it stays in good condition. I also do all of my regular treatments like the light protein treats, oil massages, pre poos and regular dcing.

I sacrifice a little bit on the style because it gets frizzy faster but I manage that by applying mousse and popping under the dryer for 10 minutes or so. Headbands also help as the new growth starts showing up as well as nice little stylish caps.

 

[Aggie]

I wore kinky twists for about 6 months on and off and I found that they thinned out my hair badly so I'm not too thrilled about them. It could be that I kept them in too long which is about 6-8 weeks at a time. So ultimately it may have been my fault. I like to see them and I wish I knew how to take care of them once they're in but sadly, I don't.

 

[BotanyGrl]

I've never had a problem with them.
I've worn braids almost all my life and the only time there was an issue was when someone other than my mom or myself did my hair (that was only 2 times in life).

My mom and I have always put the braids in gently and it's helped my hair to thrive.

It's been so long since I've had my own hair out though, that now I have to learn how to do my real hair again.

Same here. The only time I had issues with braids or cornrows was when I let someone other than my mom put them in. She has a gentle hand and makes sure that the braids are not too tight, especially on my sides and edges. I think if the braids are properly done, you won't have problems.

 

[Mandy4610]

Thanks guys. I think I just figured out that next time I take the braids out, i should DC rather than do a protein treatment.
My hair was breaking so bad when I took the braids out and did a protein treatment. The breaking significantly reduced after DCing.

 

[glamazon386]

It depends on what type of braids, how they're done, how long they're kept in, how they're maintained, and how often they're done. IMHO back-to-back braids are never a good idea. I would also like to see ladies NOT get braids installed within two-three weeks of a relaxer.

I agree. It really depends on the braider, the hair used and how you maintain your own hair while its in the braids.

 

[TrendySocialite]

It depends on if and how you take care of them. I assume since you're on this board that you will actually take care of them.

I had braids from September to December and last summer. Last summer my braids worked well. This time it grew tremendously, but I had breakage on one side. That's when I decided to come back to this board and really get serious about my hair care regimen.

I use Dr. Miracle's temple and nape gro to minimize any breakage around my edges.

I honestly think you have to know when to say when with braids. Over time I think they can weaken your hair, but they certainly help kickstart your hair growth process IMO. I think you would be amazed if you use the MN mix with braids. From the pics I've seen (I will start using this today), the growth is amazing.

 

[locabouthair]

My hair has a love-hate relationship with braids. When I first started getting cornrows they ripped out my sides and edges. i swear that part didn't grow back for years. never got any growth from them,

Then I got box braids and wore them for about 2 years. My hair, which NEVER budged from ear length, grew to SL. I did wear mine back to back but I always moisturized with a braid spray daily.

years later, got box braids again, this time not that much growth.

My mistakes with braids was perming my hair the day after I took them out. NEVER do that. I got major breakage. And my hair has not been the same since. all the growth i got from the braids broke off. when your hair is braided it goes into a resting phase and when you relax too soon after they are taken out, your hair goes into shock. which results in breakage.

My hair dresser at the time said that braids takes the elasticity out the hair with all the pulling and braiding.

I got tired of wearing them for so long so I left them alone.

 

[aqueen19]

Hi All-
Had to chime in. I just took mine out (small individuals but not micros) and it was a MESS. The braider "finished" them with an alcohol based spritz for hold (she didn't ask me about this before spraying) and I guess that along with the "Let's Jam" she used to braid it turned into this glue-like substance in my hair. All the Cream of Nature in the world couldn't get it out and I lost a TON of hair Lesson here....request that your stylist run down EVERYTHING she will do to your hair ahead of time.

 

[DivaRox]

Hi All-
Had to chime in. I just took mine out (small individuals but not micros) and it was a MESS. The braider "finished" them with an alcohol based spritz for hold (she didn't ask me about this before spraying) and I guess that along with the "Let's Jam" she used to braid it turned into this glue-like substance in my hair. All the Cream of Nature in the world couldn't get it out and I lost a TON of hair Lesson here....request that your stylist run down EVERYTHING she will do to your hair ahead of time.

Now this is true-when I was done with my set, I got up and said no thanks to the products and the scissor trim that most try to run over your braids. Just twist it up and let me outta here.

I probably would have tackled that mess with a stronger poo though. How long did you wait before you washed your braids?

 

[aqueen19]

Now this is true-when I was done with my set, I got up and said no thanks to the products and the scissor trim that most try to run over your braids. Just twist it up and let me outta here.

I probably would have tackled that mess with a stronger poo though. How long did you wait before you washed your braids?

I waited bout 3 weeks to wash...couldn't stand it beyond that, my scalp was itching like crazy, which could have been b/c of the products. You're right tho, should have used a stronger poo...it was literally like glue. Clumps of hair were fused together. My DH felt so sorry for me. I wish I had passed on the scissor trim too. The braids were gorgeous...but as they say, everything ain't for everybody!

 

[Misseyl]

Do they benefit hair or destroy it?

I'll let you know in another 6 months or so. Coming February will be exactly 1 year since I've relaxed and 8 months since I've been wearing box braids. I do them myself and moisturized each braid with Profectiv in the pink jar and haven't experience any problems. When I remove them in maybe another 6 months, and follow-up w/a touchup then I'll see if I've made any progress...

 

[Delicate_Beauty]

A lot of the ladies on here hit it right on point. Everything can take your hair out if you do not properly care for your hair. Braids and Weaves are great protective styles for the winter and even summer months depending on your climate. Making sure that your stylist does not use drying gel or spritz on your hair will help a great deal with hair shedding. Also if you get Micros or invisible braids please do not let your "professional" braider or weaver use nail glue on your hair. That is just asking for trouble. use the slip knot method its works out better and holds just as well if not better. Keeping in mind that they do not knot your own hair. Keeping your hair clean and free of dust is another important way to minimize the amount of hair you have. if you don't want to wash your hair every week use witch hazel or sea breeze to clean your scalp and a very light leave in conditioner. If you are going to be involved in activities that is dusty or dirty keep a scarf on your head. When you go to bed or are just lounging around the house also keep a scarf on your head.

my main point is you can not just put braids in your hair and forget about your natural hair. it still takes work to keep healthy hair no matter what style you have. And don't forget you 100 strands (on average) a day. so when you have your braids in for months and months you should expect to see large amounts of hair to come out. Sorry its so lengthy but there was much to be said. Be Blessed

 

[winnettag]

It depends on what type of braids, how they're done, how long they're kept in, how they're maintained, and how often they're done. IMHO back-to-back braids are never a good idea. I would also like to see ladies NOT get braids installed within two-three weeks of a relaxer.

ITA. My hair grew alot in braids. I just made sure they weren't too tight or too small (to protect hairline), made sure to wash and moisturize and gave them time to breath in beteween getting them done again.